Feng Shui Philosophy

Feng shui has thrived in China for hundreds of years, but this design philosophy has only recently made a splash in real estate. Feng shui, which translates literally as “wind-water," promotes well-being by rearranging how chi, or energy, flows through a home. The concept has gained popularity in the United States during the past 30 years, and now frustrated sellers are using feng shui to make their homes more appealing to potential buyers.

Make the Front Door Welcoming

Energy enters your home at the front door, so invite it in! Make your door stand out by painting it a color that contrasts with your home, adding a new welcome mat and flanking the door with plants. Choose plants with rounded leaves as sharp leaves can appear aggressive to buyers.

Create a "Room of First Impression"

Buyers generally decide whether they will buy a home in the first eight seconds they spend there, so you want them to see the best room first. Create a clear path to this room with a runner rug or with eye-catching art and accessories.

Don't Let Energy Go Down the Drain

If the first thing buyers see when they enter your home is a bathroom, keep the bathroom door closed. Toilets and drains take energy from a room, so keep the toilet lid down and cover drains while not in use.

Rearrange Furniture to Improve Chi

A furniture arrangement can make or break the flow of energy in the room. If the back of a sofa faces the room's entrance, energy bounces right out. Facing a comfortable sofa or love seat toward the entrance of the room will improve energy flow and make buyers feel welcome.

Remove Clutter and Depersonalize

There’s one rule that’s consistent in all home staging: Ditch the clutter. Clutter prevents energy from flowing through the home. So clear out knickknacks, photos and other personal items.